Plant Manager - Portage Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 142,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Portage, MI is seeking a Plant Manager to lead daily operations, drive Lean initiatives, manage the plant budget, and mentor a diverse team. This senior role offers a salary range of $142,000–$193,000 depending on experience, with responsibility for safety, quality, and performance in a manufacturing setting.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business, 7+ years of leadership in manufacturing, and a proven track record of cost reduction

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
• Proven track record of improving production efficiency, cost reduction, and quality metrics.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience with budgeting, P&L management, and capital expenditure planning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily plant operations, including production, quality, maintenance, and logistics.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Manage and mentor a diverse team of supervisors and production staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Develop and manage the plant budget, controlling expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, sales, and supply chain, to meet customer demands and achieve business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through the implementation of Lean manufacturing principles and other methodologies.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

P&L management

Capital expenditure planning

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Team development

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Plant Manager | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $142,000 - $193,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for leading manufacturing operations and driving plant performance? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Portage seeking experienced Plant Managers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Portage seeking Plant Managers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily plant operations, including production, quality, maintenance, and logistics.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Manage and mentor a diverse team of supervisors and production staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Develop and manage the plant budget, controlling expenses and identifying cost‑saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including R&D, sales, and supply chain, to meet customer demands and achieve business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through the implementation of Lean manufacturing principles and other methodologies.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations
• Proven track record of improving production efficiency, cost reduction, and quality metrics
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop high‑performing teams
• Experience with budgeting, P&L management, and capital expenditure planning

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a diverse team.
• Familiarity with automation and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Plant Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Operations Manager, Factory Manager, General Manager (Plant), Site Manager (Manufacturing), Plant Operations Manager, Production Operations Manager, Manufacturing Plant Manager